Reed clarifies ballot title on I-884

Reed clarifies ballot title on I-884

Noting that his office has received many phone calls from confused voters, Secretary of State Sam Reed today clarified the ballot title for Initiative 884.

The title, rewritten by Thurston County Superior Court, reads:

DEDICATING FUNDS DESIGNATED FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES

Initiative Measure No. 884 concerns dedicating funds designated for educational purposes.

This measure would create an education trust fund for smaller classes, extended learning programs, certain salary increases, preschool access, and expanded college enrollments and scholarships, funded by increasing retail sales tax by 1%.

However, there are three ways to look at the increase proposed in I-884:

1. I-884 proposes to increase the state sales tax rate by one penny. If you now pay 6.5 cents in state sales tax for every dollar you spend, you would pay 7.5 cents if I-884 passes.
2. Or, I-884 proposes to increase the current sales tax rate by an additional 1%. The current state sales tax rate is 6.5% in tax for every dollar you spend. The state sales tax rate would go to 7.5% if I-884 passes.
3. Or, I-884 proposes to increase the amount of state sales tax paid by 15%. The difference between 6.5 cents in state sales taxes paid per dollar spent and 7.5 cents is one cent. A one cent state sales tax increase from 6.5 cents is a 15% increase.

   (Note: See http://dor.wa.gov/content/taxes/LocalSales_Use.aspx for more information about sales taxes in our state)

Reed urges voters to contact both campaigns related to I-884 for more information.